President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has certified as urgent a proposed measure that seeks to amend the Biofuels Act of 2006.
In a letter sent to both chambers of Congress dated March 16, Marcos said the urgent certification is intended to help cushion the impact of rising fuel prices amid geopolitical tensions and volatility in global oil markets.
He added that the proposed amendment also aims to improve the country’s capacity to respond to possible disruptions in energy supply in the future.
Republic Act 9367 requires the blending of locally produced bioethanol with fuel products in an effort to reduce the Philippines’ reliance on imported oil.
Earlier, the Philippine Biodiesel Association said the law remains the country’s most dependable safeguard against its heavy dependence on imported fuels.
The group also urged lawmakers to strengthen existing provisions of the law rather than weaken or suspend them.
